The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfuor has condemned the attack on a reporter of Class FM, Samuel Addo.
The attack took place at Kasoa while Addo was covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Market on January 4.
“While the GJA entered this year with hope and prayers for an attack-free year for journalists, it is deeply disappointing and upsetting that the first reported assault against a journalist in 2026 has allegedly been perpetrated by men in uniform – this time from the Ghana National Fire Service. From the Military to the Police, now the Ghana National Fire Service. This development is disturbing and intolerable,” Mr Dwumfuor stated while addressing journalists in Accra on January 6.
He said, “Mr. Addo was lawfully carrying out his professional duties, reporting on the incident, which is of major public interest, when he was reportedly assaulted by officers who should have known better. We all saw the viral video where the journalist and some civilians were being attacked callously with helmets. This attack is not only an assault on an individual journalist, but a direct attack on media freedom, the public’s right to information, and Ghana’s democratic order.”
According to him, “The GJA finds this conduct deplorable, disgraceful and indefensible. No emergency or security institution has the authority to intimidate, assault or obstruct journalists under the guise of operational control. Such conduct reflects a d
Mr Dwumfuor described as unacceptable, the defence put forward by the Ghana National Fire Service through its Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah.
“The claim that the officers did not assault the journalist but merely seized his phone because he was recording an altercation without permission is untenable, misleading and offensive to basic intelligence.
No officer of the Ghana National Fire Service has the authority to confiscate a journalist’s equipment, obstruct coverage, or demand “permission” for lawful journalistic work at a public emergency scene. This explanation not only fails to address the serious allegations of assault but also betrays a disturbing ignorance of press freedom and the law and reinforces public concerns about institutional attempts to sanitise and justify misconduct rather than confront it with honesty and accountability,” the GJA President stressed.
The GJA therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately cause the arrest, thorough investigation and prosecution of all personnel involved in this criminal act.
“We stress that internal disciplinary measures alone are insufficient. This is a criminal matter that must be tested in a court of law to serve as a clear deterrent.
We note that Mr. Addo has formally reported the case at the Kasoa New Market Police Station, and we expect the Police Administration to act swiftly and decisively,” he said.
He demanded that the leadership of the Ghana National Fire Service, led by the Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong publicly condemns this assault, identifies the officers involved and applies severe internal sanctions, including dismissal where appropriate.
“Any attempt to shield the perpetrators or trivialise the incident will be fiercely resisted,” Mr Dwumfuor warned.
He further called for the dismissal of the DO II Despond Ackah.
“We also call for the immediate dismissal or removal of the PRO of the GNFS from the position because our interactions with him on the case shows that he is unfit to be in charge of communication for the Fire Service.
Again, the GJA demands an unqualified public apology from the Ghana National Fire Service to Mr. Samuel Addo, the Class Media Group and the media fraternity for the trauma, humiliation and professional obstruction caused by this attack,” the GJA President said.
He applauded the Minister in cahrge of Government Communications for the solidarity exhibited upon hearing of the case.
“We commend government through the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu for the condemnation of the assault on Samuel Addo. In a post on X, Mr Kwakye Ofosu condemned the action of the fire personnel, promising that firm action will be taken against the rogue elements who carried out this attack. We pray to see swift action on the case.
We also applaud the management and the CEO of Class Media Group, Seidu Adongo for coming out boldly with a statement to condemn the attack,” he said.
